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Friday, September 14

7 AM – 9 AM – Check-in / Keynote Speaker / Continental Breakfast

Come pick up your Conference information, have a bite to eat and hear Linda Cohen talk. Here you will meet all your classmates and enjoy good company before you begin your weekend journey of education.

Linda Cohen http://lindacohenconsulting.com/
Kindness in the workplace, improves employee morale, elevates customer engagement and creates loyalty from clients. According to research from the University of California Riverside, 40% of the difference between people’s happiness is determined by choices, not by genes or circumstances. That means no matter what happens to us, we can always choose how we respond to a situation. Are you and your colleagues aware of how your actions within your business including simple daily acts of kindness could change your outlook, productivity and strengthen all of your relationships within your business? Strengthening a culture of kindness in a workplace can transform the environment for everyone.

2 Day Classes Friday and Saturday

9 AM – 1 PM and 1 PM – 6 PM

Essentials of Intraoral Massage (16 Hours)

Description:
This class prepares you not only to receive the state's intraoral endorsement, but also to offer your clients excellent care through intraoral and anterior neck work.
Each therapist receives a detailed workbook as a reference for practice, as well as master copies of specialized chart notes and client education sheet for self-care massage. At the end of class, each therapist will receive their intraoral endorsement application from the instructor to be submitted to the WA State Department of Health. Instructions are on the form and are easy to follow. NCBTMB #450788-08.

Equipment needed:

Bottom sheet; pillow or bolster if needed for personal comfort; and wear loose clothing. All supplies for class (gloves, finger cots, etc.) will be provided.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):

Lauren Christman, LMT and Richard Polishuk, LMT

Full Chest & Breast Massage (16 hours)

Description:In this class students learn full chest and breast massage. Emphasis is placed on making our touch safe, pleasant, sexually neutral, and clinically effective for both female and male clients. Some of the techniques involve specific massage of breast tissue. Other techniques work with the chest muscles and ribs located deep to the breast tissue. Students will learn massage techniques which are done with the chest draped and other techniques which are done bare chested/breasted for both men and women.
This course meets Washington State training requirements for specialized training in breast massage WAC 246--830--555. NCBTMB Provider #1056.

Description:
Vision Issues and Chronic Upper Body Tension that just won’t stay away! Vision issues are very common with our clients and for we bodyworkers as well. Bodyworkers will learn to identify compensatory reactions of our body, both to vision issues and to wearing eye glasses. They will learn how to help clients understand this connection and how to tailor an entire massage session to this tension, using specific hydrotherapy and massage techniques for the face, neck, and upper body.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Intermediate and Advanced

Instructor(s):
Marybetts Sinclair, LMT

MircroTrauma Maintenance Therapy (14 hours)

Description:
This class integrates stretching, activity, education and massage. You will learn various specialized techniques to “feel the body” in addition to various stretching, myofascial and deep tissue releases, which remove adhesion, repair tissue and joint dysfunctions, and provide patients with increased range of motion, healing and decreased pain. The purpose and goal of this class is to provide an injury free career for athletes and long lasting function without discomfort for the general population. NCBTMB Provider #451738-11.

Equipment needed:
Massage table, sheets, and massage cream or oil.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Intermediate

Instructor(s):
Raju Mantina, LMT

Friday Only Classes

9 AM – 6 PM

7 Hawaiian Strokes to Energize Your Full Body Routine (8 Hours)

Description: Lomilomi offers an opportunity to change up the flow of your full body routine in a way that will inspire your clients to come back for more. This workshop includes the following 7 Hawaiian Strokes: *Full Body Ocean Waves *Alignment hunt *Filling the Chalice of the Heart (on the back) *Sun and Moon (on the back and legs) *Spiral prayer to the ancestors (on the hips) *Lomilomi stroke (on the arms and legs) *Emptying out (on the belly). These strokes are easy to learn and will infuse your work with a new rhythm and flow, and inspire and energize your creativity at the table. Infused in the learning of each Heartspire lomilomi classes are foundational Hawaiian Healing Principles and the metaphysical story that are a part of what Hawaiian Bodywork a unique approach to massage. NCBTMB Provider #450029-06.

Addressing Fascial Alignment with Ligament Stimulation (8 Hours)

Description:
Students will learn how fascial alignment and restriction affects movement patterning, dysfunction and pain. Learn how to interpret what you see in posture, movement and what your client’s position while on the table means. The rotations, hip hikes, pinal shifts and bend all affect the client’s perception of who they are and what they feel with in the their bodies. What you see is a bid clue to understanding their dysfunction and pain. Is the location of the pain actually the cause of the pain? Learn precise myofascial and neuromuscular testing to take the guesswork out of treatment. This class will focus on understanding how the deep front fascial line-our core-affects the periphery. Take home gentle and effective ligaments stimulation on protocols that will reset the entire fascial system. NCBTMB Provider #710619 /383.

Equipment needed:
Massage table needed. Technique is done fully clothed. Students should wear clothing that is easy to move in such as yoga pants, etc.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner

Instructor(s):
JoAnn Kovaly, LMT, M-LIFT, PMA-CPT

Digital Marketing Foundation (8 Hours)

Description: Learn how to create a Digital Marketing plan from a proven strategy framework to raise your online activity to industry best practices using the most popular tools available. Learn how to maximize your conversion rates through lead generation, lead magnets, and KPIs to track performance.
Learn the basics of content strategy, SEO improvements without touching code, Email Marketing design and deployment, Google AdWords, and utilizing Google Analytics with goals and dashboards. Digital Marketing is always evolving, come learn what it takes to get noticed online and get more customers and clients.

Equipment needed: Note taking materials. You are welcome to bring a laptop computer, but it is not necessary.

This workshop is for the following level therapist: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Description:
The use of the terms “concussion”, “post-concussion syndrome” (PCS) and “traumatic brain injury” (TBI) has increased in the lexicon of health-care practitioners and laypeople. In minor league, amateur and professional sports, we see an increased frequency in the diagnosis of concussion injury, as well as the detailed quantification of its accompanying signs and symptoms. The focus of medicine has been to detect and diagnose with the current treatment being watching and waiting unless surgery is required. As clarification of the mechanisms of injury and the structures involved continues to develop, employing a manual technique capable of accessing and addressing the vascular, structural and neurological tissues of the brain has surfaced as being an appropriate treatment modality. In particular, the techniques of Upledger CranioSacral Therapy, a gentle and precise manual therapy, can be applied with the intention of addressing the three main areas of consideration in this type of injury: the cerebrospinal fluid and venous sinus systems: the cranial bones and attached intracranial membrane system; and the autonomic nervous system. NCBTMB Provider #025785-00.

Equipment needed:
Massage Table

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced

Instructor(s):
Mariann Sisco PT; CST-D

Friday Morning Only

9 AM - 1 PM

Description: In this course, you will learn the importance of properly classifying your workers under the Washington Minimum Wage Act, and other Washington wage payment laws.
Did you know if you are injured at work you may be covered under your employers’ workers comp insurance policy? Did you know that a 1099 form is not enough to exclude you from coverage?

Equipment needed: Paper and writing utensil for taking notes.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advance

Fully Exposed Ethical Dilemmas (4 hours)

Description: This class has been compared to an “ethical group confessional,” a “stand-up comedy act,” and an “afternoon with Abbott and Costello – but a lot more educational.” We will include NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice: Standard V in the presentation. From The Blame Game to the ultimate Transference issues, we’ll explore unique perspectives and establish a ‘best practice’ for handling even the toughest of ethical dilemmas in the massage therapy profession through exercises that will be sure to ‘make you go Hmmmm…’ but, most importantly, will help the attendee align personal and business/professional ethics Standards

Equipment needed: An open mind and willingness to look into their own closet for any skeletons they may need to be working with.

This workshop is for the following level therapist: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s): Nathan Nordstrom, LMT

Tap it Out ~ Emotional Freedom Technique (4 hours)

Description:
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a technique that combines tapping on meridians and a little modern psychology. From pain relief to limiting beliefs, fears and phobias, tapping is a powerful, well researched, easy to learn and easy to apply technique. Your body and mind are more powerful than you could imagine. Learn how EFT works and why it can be so effective. Learn two methods of tapping, while gaining a better understanding of our Meridian System and how it can play a part in our health. We will tie it all together with some group tapping as well as working with a partner and ways to incorporate tapping into your massage treatment. NCBTMB Provider #1444.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Tianne Curtis, LMT

Friday Afternoon Only

2 PM – 4 PM

The Economy of Kindness: How Kindness Transforms Your Bottom Line (2 Hours)

Description:
Does Kindness Make a Difference in Our Work Places? Without a Doubt - Yes it Does!
Kindness in the workplace, improves employee morale, elevates customer engagement and creates loyalty from clients. According to research from the University of California Riverside, 40% of the difference between people’s happiness is determined by choices, not by genes or circumstances. That means no matter what happens to us, we can always choose how we respond to a situation. Are you and your colleagues aware of how your actions within your business including simple daily acts of kindness could change your outlook, productivity and strengthen all of your relationships within your business? Strengthening a culture of kindness in a workplace can transform the environment for everyone.

Equipment needed:
Note pad and pen

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Linda Cohen

2 PM – 6 PM

Enriching Your Practice with Senior Clients (4 Hours)

Description: A participatory exploration of issues of aging will help you understand the joys and complexity of reaching out to senior clients. We will ‘peel the onion’ of how to address layers of physical, emotional and social issues. The benefits of working with seniors can run both ways enhancing communication and receptivity of both client and therapist. Come prepared to discuss, discover and appreciate more fully the uncertain, but rich years of our lives.

Equipment needed:
Notepad and writing utensil for note taking.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Essential Oil 101 (4 Hours)

Description:
With all the interest in essential oils and aromatherapy these days, how do you know which oils to choose? With so many prices and choices out there, where do you find quality oils; drugstore, MLM, Natural foods store, or mail order? It’s all maddening, yet oils are hot, hot, hot. As we see in our massage practice, people are looking for ways to be proactive in their health. Essential oils can enhance their massage experience as well as be a contributing factor to their good health. In this class you will have a chance to bask in each oils aroma, as we profile the oil and learn how it affects us, and how we can use that oil best. Learn what the key constituents in the different species of oils are, and when best to use as well as precautions to take. Each will leave with a small roller bottle with a blend they create from the oils profiled. NCBTMB Provider #1444

Equipment needed:
Note pad and pen

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Tianne Curtis, LMT

Making PI Profitable for Your Practice: What You Need to Know Now! (4 hours)

Description:
Massage can be very effective for those injured in an auto accident. And treating PI patients can be very profitable for the therapist. But the way you treat, keep records, and bill can make or break whether you get paid fairly – or at all! Learn the basics of treating personal injury (PI) clients in this one-afternoon course.

Equipment needed:
Writing utensil and paper.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Sean Ayres, Managing Partner at GLP Attorneys

Saturday All Day

9 AM – 6 PM

Description:
The neck is a strong, vulnerable, complex structure. It’s the most movable part of the spine, and yet is strong enough to balance and support the head (10-11 pounds), even with chronically poor posture. Skillful deep tissue work in this area is not about brute force; it’s about precision and strategy, informed by knowledge of anatomical structures. It’s rare to find LMTs who really know how to massage the neck in a precise, specific way, especially around the small muscular attachments to the transverse processes, even though this is often where the muscles are most frayed and/or inflamed.

These are straightforward techniques that can be immediately applied in practice. The work is well-suited to either threating cervical injuries or improving your spa massage, and will increase your precision, palpatory sensitivity, and effectiveness. Body mechanics will also be a focus of the class as well as proper use of fingers.

Equipment needed:
Massage Table, sheets, massage lotion or oil.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Intermediate

Instructor(s):
Brian Utting, LMT

Treatment of the Knee and Associated Structures (8 hours)

Description:
Participants will explore the knee and the associated structures of the thigh and lower leg. The knee is capable of receiving and distributing great vertical force from gravity and weight bearing but is vulnerable to torsional and lateral forces and thereby susceptible to the impact of stress and injury. Our movement patterns, sitting, standing and walking mechanics often influence that susceptibility. Students will explore ways to mobilize, stabilize, balance and decompress the knee and associated structures. We will access and treat fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joint capsule and interosseous membrane of tibia and fibula. We will also discuss commonly encountered conditions and structural issues and how to address through treatment interventions being taught.

Equipment needed for this workshop:
Materials for note taking, massage table, loose fitting shorts (Please NO tight fitting bike/lycra type shorts), sheets for table and as may be needed for draping to receive treatment (if not wearing shorts), well-trimmed fingernails and their curiosity

This workshop is appropriate for the following therapists:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Dawn Schmidt, LMT

Warm Bamboo and Gua Sha Massage Workshop (8 hours)

Description:
You will receive and learn a full body relaxation and deep tissue warm bamboo & Gua Sha massage routine, confident to take to your massage practice the following day
Bamboo Massage is becoming the most preferred deep tissue and relaxation technique in the massage industry since Hot Stone. This wonderful luxurious full body treatment uses warm bamboo and/or rattan tools designed for relaxation or deep tissue work.
Instructional DVD included. NCBTMB Provider #450344-07

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Abby G. Cicirelli, LMT

Saturday Morning Only

9 AM – 1 PM

Money Matters: The Financial Side of Bodywork Business (4 Hours)

Description:
Just starting a massage practice and want a financially-fulfilling career? Been in practice a while and thinking about retirement? This class will help you achieve those goals. Susan Salvo, massage veteran and business award winner, is eager to share with you how she created financial stability in her life by changing the way she thought about money. She gives you “straight talk” about investment strategies and small habits which can reap huge rewards. This class will give you the best return on your investment of time and money. Hope to see you there. NCBTMB Provider #541735-11.

Equipment needed:
Paper and pen for taking notes.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Susan G. Salvo, B. Ed., LMT, N.T.S., C.I.

Topical Cannabis: History, Science and Future (4 hours)

Description:
As we explore the exciting new field of Topical Cannabis. Cannabis - commonly known as Marijuana - has a long traditional history of use for the relief of pain. Recent changes in law in 28 states and the District of Columbia now have made cannabis legal for medical use, and many producers have started incorporating cannabis into oils, lotions, and creams for topical use. This is new, uncharted territory, and much research needs to happen to understand exactly what occurs.
In this class we will learn about the history of Cannabis; its use around the world and in the United States; when and why it became illegal, the biology and science of the cannabis plant from root, spot treatment, as well as full body massage with topical cannabis. We will address the rules and regulations in Oregon and Washington, the indications and contraindications for clients and LMT’s, and how to incorporate Cannabis Topicals into your practice legally and ethically.

Equipment needed:
Paper and writing utensil for taking notes.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Julie Crispin, LMT

Saturday Afternoon Only

2 PM – 6 PM

Description: Take the fear and concern that subtle body work isn’t “enough” out of your vocabulary! The power of healing isn’t in the depth of the touch but in the intent and focus of the work. Experience a variety of simple techniques from different energetic modalities that will shift the energy state of your being. Learn how to easily incorporate these techniques into your regular massage practice.

Equipment needed:
Massage table, bolster or pillow and blanket.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Massage Medical Billing

Description:
This workshop will cover the basics of insurance billing; coding and what should be included in the chart notes. We will cover the difference between what can be charged to the insurance company versus what you can charge the patient. You’ll learn how insurance benefits work; deductibles, copays and coinsurances. Learn how to bill the different case types; insurance, PIPs, and Labor & Industries (L&I). We’ll go over how pre-authorizations work and what to do if you need to call an insurance company with a claim question. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions during this class.

Equipment needed:
Packets will be provided.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Devon McLaren

Self-Care & Career Longevity for Massage Therapists (4 hours)

Description:
As massage therapists, our bodies are the primary tools of our profession. It is vital we take care of ourselves in order to perform quality massage therapy sessions throughout the day, day after day, year after year, for the span of our careers. Let Susan Salvo be your professional coach as she shares secrets of her long and successful massage career. This class includes the most current recommendations for physical activity, proper nutrition, restful sleep, and stress management techniques. Also included are updated body mechanics principles and how to prevent or manage professional burnout. You will leave with a personalized self-care plan that takes into account your needs and aspirations. Come get re-energized! NCBTMB Provider #541735-11.

Equipment needed:
Paper and pen for taking notes.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Susan G. Salvo, B. Ed., LMT, N.T.S., C.I.

Sunday Morning Only

9 AM – 1 PM

Business Ethics (4 hours)

Description:Regardless of your role in the business of massage, this course is for you. Explore ethical issues and responsibilities relating to being a business owner, contractor, employer or employee. Examine the differences between employees vs. contractors. Discuss ways to best communicate roles and boundaries to optimize win-win outcomes and serve business success. Delve into issues of contracts and employment agreements. Determine components of ethical policies and practices as a foundation for successful and ethical business operations.

Equipment Needed:
Materials for note taking and their curiosity

This workshop is appropriate for the following therapists:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Dawn Schmidt, LMT

Massage and Pharmacology (4 Hours)

Description:
Many, if not most, of your clients take medications regularly. Reasons why they take medications include pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Some of these medications impact the massage session. This course gives you important guidelines on how to minimize the risk of massage techniques aggravating medication side effects. Included is information on medications that require special attention and which drug side effects require referral. This class will give you the information you need to make safe practice decisions regarding client medication use. NCBTMB Provider #541735-11.

Equipment needed:
Paper and pen for taking notes.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Susan G. Salvo, B. Ed., LMT, N.T.S., C.I.

Massage and Scoliosis (4 Hours)

Description:
This presentation will highlight the benefits of massage therapy for those clients who suffer from scoliotic curvatures. Specific massage technique as well as stretches and meditation/ breathing techniques will be taught.
This presentation is based on the case studies that I have completed.

Equipment needed:
Massage table, headrest, bolster. Hands on massage will be performed. Disrobing may be preferred, but not mandatory. Comfortable clothing should be worn and sheets included with the table for maximal participation.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner and Intermediate

Instructor(s):
Jessica Anaya, LMT

Massage Therapy, Being a Leader in Healthcare (4 Hours)

Description:
Being a leader in health care takes more than just helping clients. It takes pristine focus on client communication, ethics and the importance of being a health care advocate. What do you do to get doctors referring? How do you get your clients to start connecting with you when they need a massage? It is time to build your own success. It is time to get rid of the baggage and build something that can be an example to healthcare. NCBTMB Provider #450634-08.

Equipment needed:
An open mind and a pen to do some journaling.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Instructor(s):
Nathan Nordstrom, LMT, BCMTB

Topical Cannabis: History, Science and Future (4 hours)

Description: As we explore the exciting new field of Topical Cannabis. Cannabis - commonly known as Marijuana - has a long traditional history of use for the relief of pain. Recent changes in law in 28 states and the District of Columbia now have made cannabis legal for medical use, and many producers have started incorporating cannabis into oils, lotions, and creams for topical use. This is new, uncharted territory, and much research needs to happen to understand exactly what occurs.
In this class we will learn about the history of Cannabis; its use around the world and in the United States; when and why it became illegal, the biology and science of the cannabis plant from root, spot treatment, as well as full body massage with topical cannabis. We will address the rules and regulations in Oregon and Washington, the indications and contraindications for clients and LMT’s, and how to incorporate Cannabis Topicals into your practice legally and ethically.

Equipment needed:
Paper and writing utensil for taking notes.

This workshop is for the following level therapist:
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This event is open to all massage therapists, friends and family members (you do not need to attend the convention to purchase a ticket). The event is dedicated to the Massage Therapy Foundation and all proceeds from the fundraising activities will support: massage research, research literacy and community service efforts.

Casino Fantasy Events will be hosting an all extravaganza of card tables, roulette wheel and much more. A DJ, Impersonators and Magician will entertain you through out the night. Dinner will be served, and festivities begin sharply at 7 - 11 PM.

Your donation to the MTF will include Entertainment and Casino Fantasy Script. Due to laws and regulations, we cannot sell additional Casino Fantasy Script at the event.